Societies
Countryman Fairs links with the major countryside societies and associations are incomparable, and we continually make every effort to support and promote their outstanding work across all of our events. Our arenas, competition programmes and have-a-go features incorporate dedicated attractions for society members, and we maintain regular contact with our grass-roots supporters through a wide range of membership publications.
BRITISH
ASSOCIATION FOR
SHOOTING AND CONSERVATION
BASC promote and protect shooting and field sports both in the UK and abroad. Their aim is to guarantee the future of all field sports for future generations, as well as working for countryside conservation. They are widely involved in training and education initiatives, representing the interests of members within the spheres of media and politics.
BRITISH
FIELD
TARGET ASSOCIATION
The BFTA supports, encourages and promotes all aspects of the sport of air rifle field target shooting. The association promotes the safe use of air rifles and pistols, encourages the formation of field target clubs, and advises on all matters relating to competitive field target shooting.
COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE
The CA co-ordinate campaigns across a spectrum of issues associated with the countryside including country sports, farming, employment, tourism and conservation. Focussing upon the sustainability of rural life and business, the CA also includes the Rural Communications Network, which carries information to its supporters at all levels.
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
GAME
CONSERVANCY
TRUST
The GCT promotes habitat management and biodiversity, researching Britain’s game and wildlife to provide scientific information to landowners. Their research enables them to campaign for policies that promote conservation and sustainable land use. They work with game managers to advise on how to achieve the optimum sustainable yield from managed game populations.
UNION
OF COUNTRY
SPORTS WORKERS
UCSW is a listed Trade Union, who aim to unite all the sectors involved in country sports. UCSW work for the continuation of all current legal methods of predator control. They provide members with a free advisory service on a wide range of issues including rural business, taxation, training, and legal matters.
NATIONAL
GAMEKEEPERS'
ORGANISATION
The NGO represent their profession to the general public, maintaining a good public profile and providing information services. They work to ensure that gamekeepers have access to information, training, and employment opportunities. The NGO also assist in the promotion of all field sports by setting high standards within the gamekeeping profession.
www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
BRITISH
DEER
SOCIETY
BDS promote deer conservation through management of deer populations. Research areas include genetics, disease occurrence and control, and RTA statistics. Training courses offered include stalking and management qualifications. BDS also organise an annual photographic competition.
SPORTSMAN'S
ASSOCIATION
The SA work to ensure that legislation pertaining to fire arms is non-discriminatory and effective. They campaign for target pistol shooting to be reinstated as a legitimate sport, and promote and protect the rights of shooters and all field sports participants against excessive constraints.
www.sportsmansassociation.org.uk
SHOOTING SPORTS TRUST
The SST work to protect the future of all shooting sports, conducting academic research that has a direct effect upon legislation that regulates all aspects of shooting. Focus areas include health and safety, gun control, carriage and storage of shooting equipment. The SST works with the Home Office and the police force on a range of legislative issues.
ST
HUBERT CLUB OF
GREAT BRITAIN
The St Hubert Club is primarily concerned with the training of stalkers and was the first organisation in the UK to implement and formalize deer stalker training. It provides the most comprehensive practical training scheme available, which takes a minimum of four years to complete. The Club is actively involved with the conservation and management of deer, the preservation of habitat and scrutinizing legislation affecting deer and the shooting sports.
SALMON
AND TROUT ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1903, the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) is the only UK-wide membership organisation representing the views of game anglers. It is also recognised as the governing body for game angling by Sport England, with over 115,000 individual and club members throughout the UK. Although the S&TA specifically represents game anglers and riparian owners, the work that it undertakes is of benefit to all anglers.
NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF ANGLERS
The National Federation of Anglers is the governing body for freshwater angling in England. The NFA actively promote and encourage angling development from grass roots, through clubs and regional bodies to the International squads. They also play a key role in the conservation of the country’s rivers and lakes as anglers are often the first to notice water pollution and fish disease. The NFA’s efforts help to safeguard the environment in which the sport of angling takes place, and protect the very existence of the sport.
